In Science we are learning all about Structures. The Tacoma Narrows bridge opened on July 1, 1940. At the time it was the third longest suspension bridge in the world. The longest suspension bridge was the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco and the second longest was the George Washington bridge in New York.
When the bridge was being constructed construction workers noticed that in windy conditions the bridge deck started to move vertically. The construction workers gave it the nickname ‘Galloping Gertie’. On November 7, 1940 the wind rose to a speed of 64 km/h and the bridge began to vibrate violently. Leonard Coatsworth was a Tacoma News Tribune editor and the last person to drive over the bridge. He was forced to flee his car and leave behind his terrified dog Tubby.
There was no loss of human life in the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows bridge, however Mr. Coatsworth lost his car and his black cocker spaniel. Mr. Coatsworth received US $450.00 for his car and $364.40 for the contents of his car which included Tubby. The cause of failure was aeroelastic flutter and it has influenced the design of many long suspension bridges since 1940. The bridge is often discussed in Engineering and Science classes. In class we are using popsicle sticks and white glue to build our own bridges.
That is a really cool video. Did the man get the dog ?
I really liked the video. I wonder what it would feel like to be on the brige.
It was amazing to see the bridge wobble like water.
I wonder how long the bridge swayed before it collapsed.
that is sad that the dog died on that swaying bridge.I wonder how many cars fell into the sea.
I feel sorry for the dog, but I still think it’s cool.
thats weird how the bridge is really wobbly and i feel really sorry for the dog and the collapse was really cool
Did the dog and the person die? I Hope not.
Did the car and the person who was walking fall into the water? I hope they didn’t.
I wonder how far it swayed from side to side and when the bridge was swaying it sort of looked like a wave
it was amazing to see the bridge move like that. it was sad that tubby did not get rescued.
It’s sad that he lost his dog and car.
That was amazing.Did Tubby survive?
I wonder how far it swayed from side to side
How was the brige built?
The dog didnt die, did it?
Isabella
I remember you showed us that last year. It was pretty cool!
I am happy that bridges are made better today.